I have a problem that's "bugging" me.

My six indoor jade plants have bugs. I believe they are fungus gnats. Two weeks ago, I swatted five of them, and thought the problem was solved. Not the case at all. I went to the internet, and learned the fungus gnats have a 10 day life span, with four days in larvae form, and six days of flying around, eating the fungus from the soil. But, in those 6 days, they can lay up to 300 eggs. So, the problem will only get worse without taking action.

I bought six "yellow sticky traps," and placed one in each of the pots. Today, I found eight of those little buggers in the traps. Plus, I saw one flying around that evaded my flyswatter.

The sticky traps work. But, I am not addressing the larvae in the soil.

Jade plants are sensitive, and you can easily kill them with the wrong bug spray. I read that pouring a mix of water/hydrogen peroxide in the soil is very effective?

Any suggestions or ideas?

Hi! I'm not a pro, but I just 'dew' mine every day like mother nature does to my outdoor ones every morning. So if you want to experiment, separate half a dozen or so inside, and in the morning squirt about 6 -10 times every day and then also 5 - 8 right on the topsoil every 3 - 5 days or so. It varies. My first time, the leaves sprang pointing up the very next day for more 'dew'! I couldn't believe it! You won't kill them but you can experiment with the amount and it's been about 2 -3 weeks since I even 'poured' some water 'in' them. These squirts are my results and you have nothing to lose and if they wilt and don't like it, just stop and go back to 'watering' them. These experiments may surprise you as they sure did me and, you can always go back any time to just watering the soil. If you don't mind, could you please post any results good or bad? Thanks and Good Luck!!! Mike. And if anyone else tries it too, could you also please reply? Thanks...

Thanks MichaelPellow.

Experimenting is the best way to find things out for yourself.

Once I get this "bug" problem resolved, I will move on to the next trial and error test.

Right now, I have a small fungus gnat issue, and I'm working to get that resolved before it becomes a bigger problem. All good for now. I'm testing those "yellow sticky traps" for the adult gnats. Now, I'm looking for a solution to kill any larvae in the soil.

Ideas are welcome.

Fungus gnats live in peat and other decomposing organic matter, no way around that. I live in the gnat capital of the world and have given up on any kind of store-bought potting soil or mix for all but very big pots (because it is more lightweight) because I end up with gnat farms and rotting roots. By now, most of my small pots just have ground dirt. I can change it for free whenever I want - and ants have also quit building nurseries for their eggs in my pots.

There's no reason to use any chemicals to get rid of them, just find a BTi product that can soak in your watering can and then when you water, you'll be killing fungus gnats too. A well-known brand is Mosquito Dunks because it's primarily marketed to be used in fountains and bird baths to prevent mosquito larvae from being able to survive in those standing water venues.

If plants are so thirsty that dew or mist is making them perk up, they need water in the soil, not on the leaves. Just like any other plant, succulent plants can die but still look OK for a while as they slowly become desiccated or mushy, whichever is going to occur. It is easily possible for the roots of a Jade to become so dried and shriveled that they are dead. If that happens, there is no way to save it except by chopping off what is still viable as cuttings.

Mosquito Dunks (or other form of BTi) work best for fungus gnats.

Hydrogen Peroxide won't help and may cause harm you weren't expecting. I will be happy when the popularity of using H2O2 on plants fades in oblivion.

MichaelPellow, what are you selling? You are pushing this "dew" thing pretty hard. Plants need water in their root zones, not on their leaves. What is in your "dew?" and why do you think its helping to "dew" instead of watering?

Thanks Purpleinopp!

My gnat problem a new phenomenon. I had jade plants for years, and never had a gnat problem. Spider mites, yes. But, no gnats until I switched over to new, fast draining soil that's loaded with lot's of organic material for larvae to thrive.

Your suggestions are very good, as it gives me a reference point. I will start surfing for BTi products, and specifically look for "Mosquito Dunks." I like the idea of a mix that works with my bi-weekly waterings. Not all that interested in anything that might harm the jades. Zero risk for me.

The gnats pop up with every watering, and they seem to dissipate as the soil gets dryer. But, they are still popping up, so there has to be dormant larvae in the soil.

Sounds like your ant problem is resolved. That had to be frustrating to deal with, but ultimately satisfying as you have halted the infestation ants in your pots and garden.

Good tips, and thanks again.

Thank you DaisyL!

I now have two endorsements for BTi and "Mosquito Dunks" from both you and Purpleinopp.

This website is so helpful, as are both of you.

Time to go surfing.

My thanks!

I'm happy to relay what has worked well for me.

As far as ants in the garden - that is not solved. I wish! It's probably the same way in Tampa, you don't stand still outside without checking to make sure ants are not crawling up your feet. I pour boiling water when ant hills pop up outside of tended areas (the mowed weeds a/k/a lawn) but not where the good plants are growing. Boiling water is very effective on plants too. In my opinion, it's the best weed killer and sure gets rid of an ant hill too.

If you get ants in your plants, use Insecticidal Soap as a douse.

Thank you! It hasn't been an issue for the past few summers but I will have the info if they start that nonsense again.

Thanks DaisyL and Purpleinopp:

I just clicked off the Summit website that make the BTI products such as Mosquito Bits. I also found a Utube video that walked me right through one Gardner's adventures in eliminating fungus gnats. Very thorough, and right to the point without over explanation.

My first step in using the yellow sticky traps was correct. That kills the adult gnats. Now, I need to order the Mosquito Bits with the BTI that will take care of the larvae growing in the soil on my next few waterings.

As far as ants, I have an indoor ant problem in the "monsoon" season, aka hurricanes season, in the summertime. Ants start moving indoors to find alternative food sources as their primary sources are water logged. Tampa get's roughly 7 inches of rain every month over the dog days of summer.

They've yet to go after the jade plants, but if the fungus gnats are any indication, I will be ordering insecticidal soap in June.

Time to order Mosquito Bits on Amazon.

Thanks again, as both of you are a wealth of information.

The fact you suddenly do have fungus gnats tells me two things: The soil you used has too much organic compost in it (and not enough grit) and the soil is taking too long to dry. Your new watering schedule will also help with the gnats - they can't handle dry soil.

Ok. I like your insight.

I bought the organic compost from Home Depot. I did not mix the the soil with anything other than 2" of perlite that I put at the bottom of the pot. Another lesson learned. All I can say is, "You don't know what you don't know until you know." LOL!

I believe you are on point.

As far as watering, it takes a week for the top soil to completely dry. Aside from inconsistent evaporation 2" below the surface, in the second week post-watering, the top soil is completely dry on all plants.

That should help with the fungus gnats from becoming a bigger problem for now.

I could use less water, which is currently about 1 cup per pot. Do you think I could cut watering in half, and still stay with the current two week watering schedule.

As a side bar, the yellow sticky traps are working on the adult gnats. I've got 12 of those little buggers captured. I've ordered the mosquito bits, and should be here by the 19th in time for the next watering.

No, when you water, water until some comes out the bottom. Next time, mix the 2 inches of perlite into the soil. If you are using regular potting soil, you could easily mix it with perlite 1:1. If you are using palm, citrus, cactus soil, about 3 parts soil to 1 part perlite. If you are using cactus soil, straight.

Got it. You are recommending better drainage. Not less water.

I am using palm, citrus, cactus soil. So, next time, I will mix 1 part perlite with 3 parts soil. That's about where it is now, only not mixed together. It believe its about 28% perlite currently.

Another lesson learned. Thank you again.

All good...

Hello Mark, I'm enjoying the conversation here, just have to put in my two cents worth! Mainly what Daisy says, but also...
Misting will make the fungus gnats very happy. Also, unless you use r/o water it will leave spots on the leaves. Doesn't really help with humidity.
I use Bt-i on the fungus gnats. I use Mosquito Bits. I just sprinkle a layer on top of the soil and water normally. I won't see any for months, then have to re-treat when I see some flying around again. Gnatrol is another brand, made for houseplants. I have the Mosquito Bits on hand to treat an open drain that gets mosquitoes in the summer, but it works fine on the houseplants also. I stopped using yellow sticky traps because I kept finding good bugs stuck in them along with the gnats.
Peroxide kills living tissue, including plant roots. I know some people swear by it, but it can cause damage.
Always water until the soil is wet and some comes out the bottom of the pot. Roots grow where the water goes, shallow watering will lead to shallow and weak roots.
Perched water in containers is a real thing, rocks in the bottom make it worse not better. I first read about it in a lengthy article by Al Tapla, I can't locate it anymore. You might read up on perched water and Al's Gritty Mix, it changed my potting habits for the better!
Just curious, but I have to say you think and experiment like an engineer or scientist! Enjoy.
PS, I love Talavera pots too, they look great and add some color.

Thanks MsDoe

Good feedback. 2 cents of common sense is invaluable.

Yes, I've been researching the misting idea, and i keep running into websites and utube videos that say not to mist for an assortment of reasons. Spotting the leaves was one of them.

I just purchased "Mosquito Bites" online. Should have them next week. Now, I have a question or two for you. I watched a utube video a few hours ago, and they said Mosquito Bites sprinkled on the top soil do two bad things: 1. They stink. 2. They get moldy and are unsightly.

So, here's my question, based on another utube video: Wouldn't it better to allow the Mosquito Bites dissolve in water? Then, pour them as you would normally water each plant?

I will investigate Gnatrol shortly.

Yes, I received the "Yellow Sticky Traps" yesterday, and I implemented them immediately. Within 24 hours, I had over 20 of those buggers stuck to the traps. To think, I thought I only had 3 or 4 gnats. Boy, was I wrong! Lessons continue to be learned. But, they only kill the adults. The next step is getting rid of the larvae, which seem to do all the damage anyway.

i don't know where the Hydrogen Peroxide was generated, but I've seen it online numerous times. I am cautious about pouring anything other than water on my jade plants. Fear of failure is what motivates me. LOL.

Yes, you and DaisyL are in agreement, as well as a few utube videos. Each have suggested filling each pot with a full drink of water. In my case, I was only giving them 1 cup of water for each watering. I will now fill each jade plant to overflow through the drainage hole and the retention saucer. Then, toss the water. Good advice has been taken.

Another mistake on my part was 2" of perlite in the base of every pot. I was told years ago that rocks help with drainage and prevents "wet feet." It was an assumption that always stayed with me. I've always believed in throwing yourself into a project, get some basic information, then learn as you go.

Mistakes are the great teacher. Paralysis by analysis will stop any job in its tracks. So, I continue, learn and move forward. My father was a career military officer, and he always said, "A good plan today beats a better plan tomorrow." Good advice.

I don't know what "perched water" is? Is that distilled water? Or filtered water?

Thanks for the comment on the Talavera pots. i was tired of looking at the Terracotta pots which were stained with beige, brown, tan, and white, chlorine rings. Another lesson learned. I now give my jade plants filtered water. The clay pots were in need of replacement anyway. I thought the Talavera gave the jade's some focus in the living room. I like 'em.

Gardening has become quite a learning experience. I am enjoying it, and so are my jade plants. Very healthy.

Thank you for your kind words of support.

MarksJadePlants said:
Mistakes are the great teacher. Paralysis by analysis will stop any job in its tracks. So, I continue, learn and move forward. My father was a career military officer, and he always said, "A good plan today beats a better plan tomorrow." Good advice.

And the geologist says, "Remember that timeframes differ. You have a microsecond to avoid accidents, but years for city planning. Select the time frame most useful to your purpose."

MarksJadePlants said: "A good plan today beats a better plan tomorrow."

"There's never enough time to do it right, but there's always enough time to do it over." Why do "good" today when, if you had waited a day, you could do it "better." Unless your plant is on fire, waiting a day to do better research and think it through is not a bad plan.

Thanks sumire:

Good geology quote. Applies to life's decisions, too.

My father's quote is that of a career military officer. The military, especially in war zones, are always moving forward. Stagnation and indecision are the enemy. I was thinking more in terms of my gardening projects, all the things I am learning from the mistakes I am making, and continuing to move forward.

I guess gardening is more of a city planning project, rather than an automobile accident.

It was a stretch to apply my fathers quote to the gardening of jade plants. LOL.

Chock up another lesson learned.